“Last year we kept approximately 35,000 trees out of the landfill,” said Darcy Cairns, superintendent of programs for Waste and Recycling Services with the City. “It’s easy to participate – we collect trees from homes and there are also eight drop off locations to bring your trees to. The great thin is that the trees are turned into mulch that residents can use for gardening and landscaping afterwards.”

Real Christmas trees can be picked up from homes that recieve residential black cart garbage collection at 7 a.m. on Jan. 9. For other real trees drop off locations between Dec. 26 and Jan. 31 include:

Prairie Winds Park – 223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.

Bottomlands Park – St. George’s Drive and Seventh Ave. N.E.

Marda Loop Communities Association – 3130 16 Street S.W.

Parks Compound – 1-312 Sacramento Drive S.W.

Spyhill Landfill – 69 Street and 112 Ave. N.W.

East Calgary Landfill – 17 Ave. and 68 Street S.E.

Shepard Landfill – 114 Ave. and 68 Street S.E.

The City asks residents remove all ornaments and lights and don’t bag or tie trees.